Olathe, Kan. –
Brian Willmer has been named the new head football coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University, becoming the 6th in the program's history. He comes to MNU after coaching 15 seasons at Azusa Pacific University (Calif.), the last 8 as Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach. The Cougars were conference champs in 2013 after just their second year in NCAA D2.
"We are excited that Brian is joining our athletics program and look forward to his leadership," says MNU President Dr. David Spittal. "His excellent coaching experience, his leadership, and strong commitment to Jesus Christ are recognized by all who know him."
[courtesy of the APU Athletics Department] Willmer has coached all defensive positions, coordinated special teams, directed football operations, and organized all of Azusa Pacific's football recruiting efforts.
During his tenure at Azusa Pacific, Willmer personally coached two NAIA All-America honorees and an All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He helped lead Azusa to multiple playoff appearances, including two NAIA semifinals.
"My wife, Lindsay, and I want to thank Dr. Spittal,
Kevin Steele, and MNU for giving us this opportunity. We are privileged to be part of the MNU community and we look forward to building into the young men on this team," says Coach Willmer. "The game of football is a powerful vehicle to shape men and I am excited to see these players grow both spiritually and personally through the game of football."
A four-year letterman at UCLA and captain of the 1997 team, Willmer established himself as the Bruins' top linebacker during his junior and senior seasons, both years leading the team in tackles and being named Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 linebacker.
Willmer, 39, holds both a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in higher education and organizational change from UCLA. He has been teaching in Azusa Pacific's exercise and sports science program.
Brian will be joined by his wife, Lindsay, and their daughters, Emma (11), and Addie Joy (9), son Titus (5) and twins Gwenyth and Nehemiah (4).
"It is a privilege to welcome Brian, Lindsay, and the rest of the Willmer family to the Pioneer family," says MNU Director of Athletics
Kevin Steele. "He's is an exceptional man and coach with an excellent record of developing young men while winning football games. Brian brings energy, vast experience, knowledge, and passion to our program, and I expect him to lead the Pioneer football program to new levels of success both on and off of the field. Brian separated himself from a very impressive list of applicants through his record, his love for the Lord, and his desire to be intentional about building young men in a world where there are too few examples of Godly men."
The MNU Athletics Department will formally introduce Coach Willmer on Wednesday at 3:00 in the Bell Cultural Events Center. The session is available to the public, and a Q&A will follow. The event will also be streamed live
here.
